But there I was on the first night of the opening of Oriental Blossom, the Szechwan specialty restaurant, at Radha Park Inn, Arumbakkam.

It was quite an interesting experience, with everybody from the general manager to the sous chef (the real man-in-charge) present.

The Oriental Blossom, despite its name, that sounds like something out of a Pearl S. Buck or Amy Tan book that recreates the world of concubines and harems of Imperial China, has not gone in for the ornate look.

Nor has the colour red been used. Actually you see more red on your plate if you go in for Szechwan peppery chicken or prawn.

There are also enough red chilli icons in the menu that make our own fire eating Andhras look like Casper Milquetoasts. That the Radha Park team intends to wow you with variety is evident from the starter selection. Besides the `run-of-the-mill' BBQ meat platter, spring rolls and dim sum tray, the list is long. You spend so much time in the chicken, prawn, squid, fish, beef and vegetarian sections, that ordering entrees after this is a cakewalk.

Dim sums may be passé for us Chennai-ites but the chicken filled ones command attention.

As traditional Chinese food is almost completely non-veg, there are enough meat and seafood dishes to tempt even the most jaded palate.

Blossom too has its share of variety; give the Szechwan chicken (Rs.150) a try.

Though your tongue may become insensate for a second or two due to the fiery chillis, the meat is so juicy that it will revive the taste buds.